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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-winding pocket watch

Antique Ottoman Empire Billodes Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch was manufactured under the Billodes trade name, associated with Georges Favre-Jacot, and retailed by K. Serkisoff & Co. in Constantinople for the Ottoman market. The case is constructed from 0.800 silver and measures 50mm in diameter excluding the stem and loop. It features an open-hinged outer case with engraved detailing. The white dial displays Ottoman Turkish numerals, an outer minute scale, floral ornamentation beneath 12 o'clock, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The source reports that the piece is powered by a Swiss key-wound movement signed twice with the Billodes name.

Dial and open front case of the Billodes Ottoman-market pocket watch
Dial and open front case of the Billodes Ottoman-market pocket watch — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Key-winding pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Billodes (Georges Favre-Jacot)
Reference
SA342295
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1900 - 1920
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Retailer and Market Context

The pocket watch is signed on the dial by K. Serkisoff & Co. of Constantinople, identified as the original retailer. The source states the watch was manufactured for the Turkish market.

The movement is associated with the Billodes trade name, which the dealer notes was used by Georges Favre-Jacot, a manufacturer that later adopted the name Zenith in 1911.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is in beautiful condition and is signed K Serkisoff & Co, Constantinople (the original retailer of the watch).”
  • “The watch, which was made for the Turkish market”
  • “Billodes was one of the marketing names used by George Favre-Jacot, who used several such names, including Zenith which went on to become the official company name in 1911.”

Case and Physical Specifications

The watch is constructed from 0.800 silver. The case measures 50mm in diameter, excluding the stem and loop. The exterior front cover shows unevenness and traces of an original cartouche.

The case features an open-hinged design with an additional inner hinged dust cover. The Billodes name is marked internally on both covers.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the stem and the loop.”
  • “The outer case is 800 silver, and both covers have the Billodes name inside.”
  • “The case has quite a lot of unevenness and traces of the original cartouche to the front.”

Dial and Movement Details

The white dial features Ottoman Turkish numerals, an outer minute track, a subsidiary seconds dial, and floral ornamentation below the 12 o'clock position. The hands are blued steel.

The watch is powered by a Swiss key-winding movement, which is signed twice with the Billodes name.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is in beautiful condition and is signed K Serkisoff & Co, Constantinople (the original retailer of the watch).”
  • “Blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and an outer minute track.”
  • “The movement is signed twice with the Billodes name, and it is protected by an inner hinged cover.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks are present on the inner case to verify the 0.800 silver content?
  • Does the movement possess any distinct identifiers or serial numbers that provide more granular manufacturing date information?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Ottoman Empire Billodes Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
RetailerK. Serkisoff & Co., Constantinople“The dial is in beautiful condition and is signed K Serkisoff & Co, Constantinople (the original retailer of the watch).”
Case Material800 silver“The outer case is 800 silver, and both covers have the Billodes name inside.”
Diameter50mm excluding stem and loop“The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the stem and the loop.”
Movement OriginSwiss key-winding movement“The watch, which was made for the Turkish market, has a Swiss key-winding movement”
RetailerK. Serkisoff & Co., Constantinople“The dial is in beautiful condition and is signed K Serkisoff & Co, Constantinople (the original retailer of the watch).”
Case Material0.800 silver“The outer case is 800 silver”
MovementSwiss key-wound“The watch, which was made for the Turkish market, has a Swiss key-winding movement”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring Ottoman Turkish numerals, outer minute markers, and floral decoration below 12 o'clock.
  • Dial signed in red-brown lettering: 'K. SERKISOFF & Co CONSTANTINOPLE'.
  • Blued steel spade minute hand and subsidiary seconds hand visible on the dial.
  • Engraved silver bezel and open front cover hinge.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and inner cuvette markings are not visible in the provided primary photograph.
  • Manufacture date range (circa 1900–1920) is based on dealer cataloguing rather than hallmarked precision.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold: Antique Ottoman Empire Billodes Pocket Watch 1900 - 1920 | Sellingantiques

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 2bb594b4ea

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.